Adobe Lightroom Classic 14.3.1
Adobe Lightroom Classic has long been the go-to photo editing and management tool for professional photographers and serious hobbyists. With the release of Lightroom Classic 14.3.1, Adobe delivers a mix of powerful enhancements, performance improvements, and essential bug fixes that improve both the editing experience and workflow efficiency.
What’s New in Lightroom Classic 14.3.1
1. Enhanced AI-Powered Masking
Masking in Lightroom Classic has evolved significantly over the past few versions, and 14.3.1 takes it even further:
- Faster subject and sky selection with more accurate edge detection
- New “People Masking” options – easily isolate facial features like skin, eyes, lips, and teeth
- Improved performance on high-resolution images and batch masking
Use Case: Retouch portraits with surgical precision in just a few clicks.
2. Lens Blur (Beta)
A brand-new AI-driven Lens Blur tool has been introduced (still in beta) to simulate depth of field on photos shot without a shallow depth lens.
- Create natural-looking bokeh
- Select and control focus area manually or with AI
- Adjust blur strength, shape, and highlights
Use Case: Add cinematic depth to street or portrait photos after the shot.
3. Performance Improvements
Lightroom Classic 14.3.1 introduces several under-the-hood changes that boost speed and stability:
- Faster previews and loading times for large RAW files
- Improved GPU acceleration for Develop module edits
- Smoother scrolling and zooming in Loupe and Grid views
Use Case: Essential for wedding and event photographers working with thousands of files.
4. New Camera and Lens Support
Adobe keeps up with the latest gear by expanding support for new models:
Newly Supported Cameras:
- Canon EOS R100, R8
- Sony ZV-E1, A7R V
- Nikon Z8
- Fujifilm X-S20
Newly Supported Lenses:
- Sigma, Tamron, and Canon RF glass
- Support for third-party autofocus lenses
Use Case: Ensures accurate color profiles and lens corrections right out of the box.
5. Improved Sync with Lightroom (Cloud)
Lightroom Classic now offers more stable syncing with the Lightroom cloud ecosystem:
- More reliable collection sync
- Conflict resolution improvements
- Optimized smart previews for mobile and web viewing
Use Case: Ideal for professionals editing on desktop and reviewing on tablet/mobile.
Bug Fixes in 14.3.1
Adobe has addressed multiple user-reported issues:
- Fixed intermittent crashes in Develop module on macOS Ventura and Sonoma
- Resolved metadata loss when renaming files during import
- Fixed bug with auto-tone applying inconsistent contrast levels
- Improved reliability of Export presets
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 12+
- CPU: Intel or AMD with SSE4.2 support
- RAM: 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
- GPU: 2 GB VRAM (4 GB recommended for AI tools)
- Storage: SSD strongly recommended
Lightroom Classic vs Lightroom (Cloud)
It’s important to note that Lightroom Classic is still distinct from the cloud-first Lightroom (formerly Lightroom CC). Classic is designed for those who:
- Work with local storage and folder hierarchies
- Require more detailed print and export control
- Prefer traditional library/catalog management
- Use high-performance desktop setups
Who Should Upgrade?
Lightroom Classic 14.3.1 is ideal for:
- Portrait and wedding photographers needing advanced retouching tools
- Landscape photographers who benefit from AI masking and lens blur
- Catalog-heavy users managing large image libraries
- Professionals who rely on stable, consistent performance for client work
Final Verdict
Lightroom Classic 14.3.1 might seem like a small point update on the surface, but it delivers meaningful improvements where it matters most: speed, stability, and smarter editing tools. The enhanced masking, AI-powered blur effects, and better camera support make this version especially valuable for professionals and enthusiasts looking to streamline their workflow without compromising on creative control.
If you’re already using Lightroom Classic, this update is strongly recommended. And if you’re still using an older version, 14.3.1 offers enough enhancements to justify making the leap.